# Starburst Fruit Chews > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Starburst - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 2.07 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starburst-fruit-chews-207-oz - **Slug:** `starburst-fruit-chews-207-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial ingredients and additives (corn syrup, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, artificial colors/flavors, modified cornstarch) and is a shelf-stable, ready-to-eat product—characteristic of ultra-processed foods. ## Review Starburst Fruit Chews (2.07 oz) is a small, brightly packaged pouch of fruit-flavored chewy candy you'd typically find in the candy aisle, near other bagged sweets, gum, and seasonal impulse bins — and often merchandised on countertop racks at checkout. The brand leans hard into playful, nostalgic positioning: bright pinks, reds, oranges and yellows that promise concentrated strawberry, cherry, orange and lemon flavor experiences aimed at kids, teens and adults seeking a quick, shareable sweet. Marketing frames the product as fun, stackable and social — perfect for pockets, lunchboxes, movie nights or passing around at a sleepover. The label uses kid-friendly graphics and the word “Original,” with no organic seal and no meaningful natural-food claims; the ingredient list does include “natural and artificial flavors” and a trace of apple juice concentrate, but otherwise highlights refined sugars and additives rather than whole food ingredients. Sensory-wise, Starburst is dense and tacky: soft, squishable squares with a chewy, slightly elastic bite and bright, sugary fruit aroma and taste. Packaging is a lightweight, shelf-stable plastic pouch containing individually wrapped colored pieces, encouraging ritual behaviors like picking favorite colors, mixing flavors, stacking or sucking them slowly. In plain terms, this is a highly manufactured snack made in a factory with refined corn syrup, hydrogenated fat, colorants and texturizers; it’s designed for convenience, portability and consistent flavor rather than nutrition. It fits squarely into American grocery culture as a colorful, inexpensive treat for moments when people want an immediately gratifying, sweet, portable indulgence. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 240 - **Total fat:** 5g (6% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 4.5g (23% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 49g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 33g - **Added sugars:** 33g (66% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL OIL; LESS THAN 2% OF: CITRIC ACID, DEXTRIN, GELATIN, APPLE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, COLORS (RED 40, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, BLUE 1). ## Flagged ingredients - **hydrogenated palm kernel oil** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Red 40** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Yellow 5** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Yellow 6** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Blue 1** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** movie-night, road-trip, back-to-school - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Starburst healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! Starburst are certainly a treat, packed with 240 calories and a hefty 33 grams of sugar per serving. While they can be a fun indulgence, they’re not what you'd call a health food. Think of them as your sweet escape rather than a nutritional powerhouse. ### Are Starburst vegan? Nope, Starburst are not vegan. They contain gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, making them a no-go for those following a strict plant-based diet. If you're looking for a vegan-friendly candy, you'll want to check out other options that use plant-based gelling agents instead! ### Are Starburst gluten-free? Yes, Starburst are gluten-free! So if you’re avoiding gluten for dietary reasons, you can enjoy these fruity chews without worry. Just remember, they’re still loaded with sugar, so moderation is key! ### Do Starburst contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain hydrogenated palm kernel oil, which is a type of seed oil. While it helps give the chews their texture, some people prefer to steer clear of hydrogenated oils due to health concerns. It’s always a good idea to be aware of what’s in your snacks, but enjoying them occasionally is perfectly fine! ### Do Starburst have artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! Starburst get their sweetness from corn syrup and sugar, so you won't find those sugar substitutes often lurking in other candies. Just keep in mind, they’re still quite sugary! ### Are Starburst high in sugar? Yes, Starburst are definitely on the sugary side! With 33 grams of added sugars in a single serving, they’re more of a candy bar than a health snack. If you're watching your sugar intake, you might want to save these for special occasions rather than an everyday treat. ### What are healthier alternatives to Starburst? If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, consider fruit snacks made with real fruit puree or dried fruits without added sugars. Brands like Annie’s or Whole Foods’ 365 line have some great options. They won’t be quite the same, but they can satisfy that sweet tooth with a little more nutrition! ### Can kids eat Starburst? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Starburst as a fun treat, but like with all candies, moderation is key. They’re packed with sugar, so it’s best to limit how often they indulge to keep their overall diet balanced and healthy. ### Are Starburst good for weight loss? While Starburst can certainly satisfy a sweet craving, they’re not the best choice if you’re trying to lose weight. With high sugar content and empty calories, they don't provide much in terms of nutrition. If you’re focusing on weight loss, consider snacks that are more filling and nutrient-dense instead. ### Are Starburst ultra-processed? Yes, Starburst fall into the ultra-processed category. They contain a mix of sugars, oils, and artificial flavors and colors, all of which are common in many processed snacks. It’s all about balance, though — enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than a staple in your diet! ## Related products - [Pepperidge Farm Family Size Colors Goldfish](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goldfish-pepperidge-farm-family-size-colors-goldfish-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goldfish-pepperidge-farm-family-size-colors-goldfish-10-oz - [Finn Crisp Crispbread, Caraway](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/finn-crisp-crispbread-caraway-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/finn-crisp-crispbread-caraway-7-oz - [Edward and Sons Brown Rice Snaps, Tamari Seaweed](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/edward-sons-and-sons-brown-rice-snaps-tamari-seaweed-350-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/edward-sons-and-sons-brown-rice-snaps-tamari-seaweed-350-oz - [Cheetos Cheese Snacks, Puffs - Party Size](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cheetos-cheese-snacks-puffs-party-size-1350-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cheetos-cheese-snacks-puffs-party-size-1350-oz - [Siete Potato Chip Chipotle BBQ Flat Bag](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/siete-potato-chip-chipotle-bbq-flat-bag-550-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/siete-potato-chip-chipotle-bbq-flat-bag-550-oz - [Utz Sweet Potato Kettle Chips](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/utz-sweet-potato-kettle-chips-750-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/utz-sweet-potato-kettle-chips-750-oz - [Milton's Organic Crackers, Multi Grain](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/miltons-organic-crackers-multi-grain-6-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/miltons-organic-crackers-multi-grain-6-oz - [Back To Nature Cookies Fudge Striped](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/back-to-nature-cookies-fudge-striped-770-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/back-to-nature-cookies-fudge-striped-770-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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